'A massive difference'

A former player and manager in three separate spells at Lincoln City, John Schofield says that studying for his coaching qualifications have shown him just how much of a difference there is between playing and coaching.

Schofield rose through the ranks at several Non-League clubs before joining the Imps in 1988, and made more than 200 appearances at Sincil Bank before joining Doncaster Rovers.

Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com, Schofield said: "Sometimes as a player you don't appreciate all the aspects that go into decisions. You might play alongside someone but you would not be fully aware of the situation, but a manager would take everything into account when he makes a call.

"You take every aspect of it back to your club and the players you work with. This course is really good for those aspects that you might not have understood when you were player."

Schofield is also quick to admit that coaching was not always on his mind while playing football.

"I wouldn't say when you first start playing it is the first thing on your mind, but when you get up around 30 then you think about it," Schofield explained.

"When your playing days come to an end you start to think about what you're going to do when you stop playing.

"It never really entered my head when I was young, but then you think you belong in football and you get attached to it so you do what you can to stay involved.

"Keith Alexander was on the course two years ago when I was working with him and he encouraged me to get on the course.

"You have to find space in your diary to fit it in, and at the time you might think do I really need it, but once you are on the course you get so much out of it."